Randy Shaver, one of the Twin Cities’ most trusted and versatile broadcasters, has been a prominent figure at KARE 11 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
He is in the spotlight for tragic news about his granddaughter, Bella, who is in the ICU with a breathing tube.
Highlights
- Randy Shaver shared that his granddaughter, Bella, was admitted to the ICU with a breathing tube on February 2, and she could breathe independently on February 5.
- Her MRI showed no signs of stroke, and she has already spoken a few words as of February 7.
- Randy is a two-time cancer survivor, diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease in June 1998 and prostate cancer in 2019.
Randy Shaver began his broadcasting career at WHO Radio in Des Moines in the late 1970s, and his first job as a sports director was at KAAL-TV in 1981.
Later, on January 1, 1983, he moved to KARE-TV as a weekend sportscaster at 24. Over the years, he transitioned to the news anchor desk in 2012, co-anchoring the evening news alongside Julie Nelson.
He was known for his passion for high school sports and his signature program, Prep Sports Extra, which celebrated its 40th season in 2023.
He has won several awards for his work, including regional Emmy awards and a national Edward R. Murrow award for sports reporting.
Randy covered several events, including the Super Bowl, World Series, and Olympics, with in-depth coverage and interviews with top athletes and coaches.
However, he announced his retirement in June 2024 after over four decades on the air.
Randy Shaver’s Family Is Sadden With Bella’s Illness
Randy Shaver and his family are undoubtedly going through a challenging time as his granddaughter, Bella, is in the ICU with a breathing tube.
During such moments, his community provided comfort and strength through prayers, support, and positive thoughts.
Randy shared the tragic news on social media on February 2, and his followers wished the Shaver family well.
Prayers needed. My sweet granddaughter Bella is in the ICU here in Florida with a breathing tube (hopefully for not much longer). The last 24 hours have been emotional for all of us. We’re confident she’ll be okay but right now it’s hard to take. My heart aches.
Randy Shaver
Bella is the daughter of Ryan, and they updated that doctors took the breathing tube out on February 5. She could breathe independently, but things took a scary turn over the last 10 hours.
Randy’s granddaughter frequently faced health issues over the years, and the Shaver family remains hopeful in this challenging period.
As of February 7, Bella’s MRI showed no signs of a stroke, and she has already spoken a few words.
Furthermore, Randy married Roseanne and welcomed two children, Ryan and Rob Shaver. He admires his wife because of her beliefs and how she lives and treats people.
Ryan followed in his father’s footsteps and worked as a multimedia journalist in the sports department at KARE 11, whereas Rob pursued a medical career.
He indicated his wife, kids, and grandkids were the main reasons he decided to retire, and they joined him in the studio.
It’s about time. I have a granddaughter who is nearly 2-years-old. Bella doesn’t care – no pun intended – that I’ve worked here almost two-thirds of my life, she doesn’t care that I love my job, she does’t care I’m on TV. The only thing she cares about is when is Papa coming over to play, and can we maybe sneak in some ice cream.
Randy Shaver
Randy cared about personal life over his professional career and valued his time with his family. He is proud of his work and appreciates the tremendously talented people he has worked with.
Randy Shaver Has Been Through A Lot Himself
Randy is a two-time cancer survivor, and the community remembers him for his contributions to cancer research.
He anchors The Rush Creek Golf Club Randy Celebrity Golf Classic to support the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund. Since 1995, it raised $6.5 million to help patients in Minnesota.
Tackle Cancer Football Game – 10/18 7pm, MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
— Sartell Sabres (@gosartellsabres) October 13, 2023
This is our Tackle Cancer game, and we will be raising money for the Randy Shaver Cancer Research fund. We want all fans from both schools to wear pink, and support our quest to Tackle Cancer! #Pinkout #Rollsabres pic.twitter.com/jkMgRD9ILG
Randy was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease in June 1998 and prostate cancer in 2019. It inspired him to become an active voice in the fight against cancer.
A strong advocate for cancer research and awareness used his platform to raise funds and support organizations dedicated to fighting the disease.
Additionally, Randy’s wife was diagnosed with melanoma 11 months before his initial diagnosis. He clarified that testosterone feeds prostate cancer in the same way as estrogen feeds breast cancer.
The married couple has been working together to raise funds to fight cancer for many years.
Additional Information
- 66-year-old Randy Shaver was born on December 20, 1958, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
- He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications from Iowa State University.
- An active Cedar Rapids Jefferson Hall of Fame member was inducted into the Minnesota Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2004.